Everytime I go over a pothole or sleeping policemen (sorry officer) I get GA-Donk! GA-Donk!

Friday, 23 December 2016 | Mick

Affecting: Pretty much every Citroen Peugeot Renault Fiat & Alfa

The antiroll bar link (rod) ball joints have probably become worn. Like any worn ball joint, the ball will rattle around inside it's cup when agitated. There is no cure other than to replace the rod. The vehicle will have an Anti roll bar running laterally across the suspension from one side to the other. The rod links the bar to the lower suspension arm or track control arm. Most versions will be a metal (plastic on some ZX/306's) rod with a ball joint at each end. Early ZX's have a small unit shaped like a figure '8', whereas the 407 and C5 have sort of lever arm arrangement. Some Fiats, Alfas and most Renaults have a pin & bushes arrangement. But, they all wear out just the same.

Common or potential faults associated with the French & Italian range.

Having worked with our chosen marques for quite some time now, it stands to reason that we have come across a whole plethora of faults, failures and potential automotive hiccups. Sometimes they are quite clearly due to a lack of maintenance. Others are due to poor design. Then there is just bad luck.

Here follows a list (in no particular order) of some of the more common occurrences we have encountered. Included are our comments and/or opinions as to how 'we' have dealt with the situation or believe would or could be an effective solution. Our ramblings are by no means a substitute for competent professional diagnosis and should be regarded as bodhi for interested parties.

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